Arthroscopic surgery

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Arthroscopic surgery is surgery performed by passing narrow instruments into the knee via small portals ('keyholes'), with the surgeon navigating via a camera image. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Surgeons performing an arthroscopy of the knee

The surgeon creates small keyhole cuts ('portals') into the joint, and inserts the instruments through them. Fluid is used to dilate the interior of the knee, and this is possible because it is within the knee's watertight capsule. A tiny camera inside the knee projects the image onto a monitor.

Is arthroscopic surgery major surgery?

Quite complex issues can be dealt with via arthroscopic surgery such as cruciate ligament replacement, but the recovery is generally much faster than with open surgery where an incision is made into the joint.

However, the injection of irrigation fluid under pressure means that the knee will likely be swollen and stiff after surgery, and a period of rehabilitation will still be necessary.

"...knee arthroscopy has a role in the management of targeted lesions and in certain situations where non-operative measures have proved unsuccessful."

Robert F LaPrade et al

Arthroscope, Arthroscopy, Arthroscopic meniscectomy, Arthroscopic trochleoplasty

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